Barcelona has been handed a punishment by UEFA for racist behavior displayed by their fans, resulting in the La Liga side being fined €10,000 ($11,000) and banned from having any fans at their upcoming away match in the Champions League against FK Crvena zvezda in Serbia on Nov. 6.
During Barcelona’s recent match against Monaco, fans revealed a banner with Nazi connotations aimed at their German manager, Hansi Flick, reading “Flick Heil.” This disgraceful act has been condemned by Barcelona’s vice president, Elena Fort, who expressed her disappointment on X.
In response to the incident, Flick commented on the situation, acknowledging the severity of the issue. Barcelona has released a statement in compliance with UEFA’s decision, emphasizing their rejection of violence and commitment to upholding human rights.
The Club communicate that it will both comply with and apply this sanction for the UEFA Champions League matchday four fixture that the team will play against FK Crvena zvezda in Belgrade on 6 November. FC Barcelona will return the ticket cost for fans who have already purchased said ticket.
FC Barcelona reject any type of justification for violence, and as indicated in articles 3 and 4 of the Statutes, they strive to protect and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights contained in the International Bill of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations.
Furthermore, given behaviour by supporters’ groups and fans both at home matches (Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys or Estadi Johan Cruyff) and at away grounds is deriving in repeated sanctions both domestically and internationally, the Club is set to strengthen current measures and adopt suitable further initiatives to prevent future occurrences and apply sanctions to those responsible.
This is not the first time Barcelona has faced consequences for racist behavior from their fans. In a previous incident, Barcelona was fined €25,000 ($28,000) and banned from selling away tickets to fans for one match after supporters were arrested for racist actions during a Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain. With the recent incident at Monaco, UEFA has enforced the ban for the Nov. 6 match as part of their probationary measures.